Complications of Obesity

Despite what many people believe, obesity isn’t a problem with lifestyle. Obesity is a disease. And a complex one at that. 

Here at Weston Medical Health & Wellness, we understand the complexities of body weight and obesity. Our medical director, Dr. Andrea Bretal, is a diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine (ABOM) and has advanced training in managing this prevalent chronic disease.

In this blog, we want to talk about obesity as a disease and the health complications it causes.

What is obesity?

Obesity is a disease of excess body fat. It develops slowly over time when there’s an imbalance between the number of calories taken in and the number of calories expended — eating more calories than the body burns.

While an imbalance in calories is at the center of obesity, it’s not the only factor affecting weight, which is where the complexity of this disease comes into play. Genetics, hormones, age, eating habits (disordered eating), and sleep habits also affect weight status. 

Additionally, obesity affects the function of multiple body systems. Your struggle with weight isn’t because you lack the willpower to lose it. That excess body fat changes how your body regulates appetite, metabolizes nutrients, and stores fat. 

These functional changes make obesity much harder to treat and play a role in the development of obesity-related complications. When it comes to treatment for obesity, you can’t just “go on a diet.” 

Like the disease, treatment for obesity is complex and must address all the factors that influence weight and health.

Complications of obesity

The complexity of obesity as a disease contributes to the related complications. Obesity affects more than just appearance. It affects the function of your cardiovascular system, endocrine system, metabolism, and brain. 

Health-related complications of obesity include:

• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Sleep apnea
• Fatty liver
• Gallstones
• Arthritis
• Infertility

Obesity is also linked to many types of cancers, including breast, colon, and prostate cancer. 

Medical management of obesity

Given the many difficulties surrounding obesity, including the complications, it’s important to know that no single treatment works for everyone. For our patients who struggle with this complex disease, we take a holistic approach. 

To us, you are more than your weight. We want to heal your body, mind, and spirit. We offer many medical and alternative treatments to help manage obesity and the related complications. 

We provide nutrition counseling, behavioral therapy, and weight-loss medications like phentermine when appropriate. We also offer lipotropic shots and have experts in Reiki therapy, Chinese medicine, and functional medicine.

Obesity is a serious health condition that has no simple fix. We understand the frustration and guilt people feel when they struggle with their weight. Like any disease, obesity requires ongoing medical management and support to not only manage the disease, but the complications that come with it. 

Let us help you reach your health goals. Call our office in Weston, Florida, or click the online booking button to request an appointment today.